Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1887-05-05

Dnringth Revolutionary War ther
was a gentleman of large property re
siding in Brooklyn, n. Y, who wa
addicted TO the habit Of walking il
his sleep. Panic-struck at the invas
ion OF the enemy, be daily expected
that his dwelling would be ransackec
and pillaged. Under the influence o
these fears, he rose one night, and
taking his strong box, which awak,
he never attempted to lift without as
sistance, he proceeded downstairs
furnished himself with lantern and
spade, and, in wooded glen, about a
quarter of a mile from his house, he
buried his treasure, replacing the sods
so as to create no suspicion of their
having been removed. This done, he
returned, undressed, and went to bed.
Next morning he was the first to dis
cover the loss Of his strong boz, with
out having the slightest remembrance
Of what had passed. Enraged at his
loss, he Immediately accused bis do
mestics of robbery, as no traces were
susceptible on either the lock or doors
Of the honse that could induce him to
suspect strangers.
Month after month elapsed, and
still the mystery was not solved, and
his family began to want the necessa-
ries Of life without having the means
10 procure tnem.
At that period of public calamity
no money could be raised on real es-
tate, and it was at that season of the
year, when agricultural labor had
ceased, which left him no means of Sc
curing support for his family. To
augment his misery. his only son lay
confined by a violent fever, without
any one Of those comforts which his
situation demanded. The despairing
father was strongly affected by this
melancholy view of the future; his
rest became more frequently broken,
and he would often wander from room
to room all night with hurried and
unequal steps, as if pursued by an en-
envy.
His wife and daughter, who were
accustomed to these nightly wander
ings. never attempted to disturb him
unless they were fearful some accident
would befali him; in this case it was
necessary to employ the most violent
means to awaken him, upon which he
would exhibit such fear and distress
that they usually suffered him to re-
cover from the trance, which was sue
ceeded by drowsiness, after which he
would sink into a light and natural
sleep, which generally continued fol
several hours.
One night, as his daughter was
watching at the side of her sick broth
er, she heard her father descend the
stairs with a quick step, and immedi
ately followed him. She perceived
that he had dressed himself, and wa.
lighting a lantern at the hearth, af
ter which, he unbolted the door, anC
looked out; he then returned to tn,
kitchen, and, taking the lantern anC
spade, he left the house.
Alarmed at the circumstances
which was not usual. though it some
times occurred, as above related, with
out the knowledge of his family,-sh
hastily threw on a cloak, aud followe,
him to the wood, trembling with ap
prehension OF, she knew not what, bot
for herself and her father.
Having gained the place where b
had three months since buried th
box, he set down the lantern 50 as t
reflect strongly upon the spot; be the
removed the sOds, aud, striking th
spade against THERON cever, he laughe
wildly, and exclAimed,-
My treasure is safe, and we sha
be happy =
And, sbOuldering bis heavy burde
with the strength Of Hercules. he stoI
ped, not As before to replace the SCI
OF earth. but snatehins up his lanter'
pursued his way directly home, to II
great JOY Of his daughter. who OOu